The homelessness situation in St. Thomas has been front and centre this municipal election campaign.
What is not so visible are the hidden homeless, an estimated 80 per cent of those without a place to call home.
Experiences for those being homeless or at risk of homelessness are devastating and fraught with trauma, violence, illness and neglect.
The YWCA of St. Thomas has launched their 12th annual Keep A Roof Campaign and executive director Lindsay Rice says many of those homeless individuals are young people.
In 2021, over 25 per cent of those identified in the community as experiencing homelessness were between the ages of 16 and 24, greater than the national average.
The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin offers safe and affordable housing with supports to women, men and youth.
Made possible by donations through programs like this year’s Keep A Roof Campaign.
Rice tells myFM these programs geared toward homeless individuals have a high success rate.
The average market rent for a one-bedroom apartment in St. Thomas is just shy of $900.
The reality of that can be seen every day on the streets of the city. That is why the YWCA of St. Thomas-Elgin housing support programs are critical.
Rice explains how individuals can donate to this year’s Keep A Roof Campaign.
For more information and to donate, visit https://ywcaste.ca/keep-a-roof-over-their-heads/
Written by Ian McCallum
